How to Form an OMEP Committee
A comprehensive guide to initialization, preparation, and official recognition.
Ways to Set Up
There are several ways to initiate the formation of a committee:
Grassroots group
A small group of interested individuals or professionals from fields such as education, health, or welfare, who share a common interest in children aged 0–8 years, can meet to begin the process.
Existing organizations
One or more established national or international organizations with an interest in young children can take the initiative to form a committee.
Government appointment
A government ministry (e.g., Education, Health, or Social Affairs) may appoint a group specifically to establish an OMEP Preparatory Committee.
Preparation Procedure
Once a group is formed, follow these steps to prepare for recognition:
1. Develop a Constitution
You must abide by the rules of the OMEP Constitution. Draw up a national constitution within the OMEP international framework (copies are available from your Regional Vice President or the World President).
2. Create Working Plans
Define your objectives based on local needs and resources. Examples include:
- Influencing policy makers and public opinion.
- Using media to publicize early childhood issues.
- Conducting surveys, investigations, or research.
- Organizing training courses, seminars, or conferences.
- Connecting with higher education institutions.
- Growing your membership base.
3. Financial Sustainability
Determine how you will fund your activities. Potential methods include setting an annual membership fee, fundraising, charging for conferences, or applying for government support.
Being Recognised
To be officially recognized, submit the following documents to your Regional Vice President, who will forward them to the World President:
- A formal letter applying for recognition as a Preparatory Committee.
- A list of all committee members, clearly stating their professional status.
- A draft constitution written in one of OMEP’s official languages (English, French, or Spanish).
Note on Membership Status
- Preparatory Committees must apply for full National Committee status within five years.
- After one year, a Preparatory Committee may apply for full National Committee status by submitting an annual report, a member list, and by paying the annual membership fee.
- Only full National Committees have voting rights at World Assemblies.
Contact & Resources
Reach out directly for guidance on forming your committee or to obtain official documents.
Responsibilities For All Committees
Preparatory Committee
- •A Committee is granted the status of "Preparatory Committee" for a period of two years before being recognized as a National Committee.
- •If you are interested in forming a committee to advance early childhood education and care in your country, you can
begin the process of becoming an OMEP Preparatory Committee. Preparatory Committees are the first step toward achieving full National Committee status. - •Individual Members may assume the responsibility of creating a Preparatory Committee in their country.
- They have the status of Observers
- They have no voting rights
Individual Members
- •Individuals who accept the aims of OMEP in countries where there is no National or Preparatory Committee.
- •Individual Membership is authorized by the World Executive Committee and approved by the World Assembly upon recommendation from the relevant Region.
- •Individual Members may assume the responsibility of creating a Preparatory Committee in their country.
- They have the status of Observers
- They have no voting rights